There is an update to this story available here: Police misidentified soldier accused of assaulting officer, Army confirms
DOYLESTOWN, Pa. — A 21-year-old U.S. Army officer identified by police as an “active duty platoon leader” is facing multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after authorities say he violently assaulted a police officer during a late-night fight outside a downtown Doylestown bar.
According to an arrest summary published by Central Bucks Regional Police Department on the CrimeWatch public-information platform, officers were dispatched to a fight in progress on North Main Street shortly after midnight on Dec. 27, 2025.
Police say an officer arrived to find two men engaged in a physical altercation and attempted to separate them. While the officer was escorting one unidentified male away from the scene, Thomas Angel Rowe V, 21, of Doylestown, allegedly attacked the officer from behind, striking him in the head.
According to police, the officer attempted to restrain Rowe, and both men fell to the ground. Rowe allegedly ignored repeated commands to stop fighting and punched the officer several times in the head, slamming the officer’s head onto the icy pavement. Police further allege that Rowe bit the officer on the arm while bystanders shouted that he was assaulting a police officer.
Authorities say multiple bystanders recorded the incident on their cell phones but did not intervene or render aid as the assault continued. Additional officers responded to the scene, where Rowe allegedly continued to resist arrest and ignored commands before being taken into custody.
In the arrest summary, police identified Rowe as an active platoon leader in the U.S. Army. Court records reviewed by The Salty Soldier do not independently list his military rank or assignment, and the Army has not publicly confirmed the characterization as of publication.
Rowe was arraigned and charged with:
- Aggravated Assault (F1)
- Aggravated Assault (F2)
- Resisting Arrest (M2)
- Simple Assault (M2)
- Disorderly Conduct – Engaging in Fighting (M3)
- Disorderly Conduct – Hazardous/Physical Offense (M3)
- Harassment (Summary) (two counts)
- Public Drunkenness (Summary)
Bail was set at 10 percent of $75,000, according to court records. Rowe was initially remanded to Bucks County Correctional Facility before bail was posted through a professional surety.
Another individual involved in the altercation was cited for summary offenses and released at the scene. Police said a third individual is being sought for questioning and asked members of the public who recorded video of the incident to contact investigators.
The Salty Soldier has submitted formal public records requests to the Central Bucks Regional Police Department seeking additional documentation related to the arrest and the information released publicly. A separate request for confirmation of Rowe’s military status, rank, and assignment has also been submitted to the United States Army. This article will be updated if and when either agency provides a response.
All criminal charges are allegations. Rowe is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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